Vintage King 6B 'DUO GRAVIS' Dependent-Valve Bass Trombone | Instrument Reviews

[@MrBarelytone]

I bought a DG in 1976 when I was in the US Coast Guard band, Alameda California. I owned it until I sold it in 1990. Loved that horn. It was great with swing music as well a classical. ❤

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

They're very solid horns, although for classical playing I prefer using something more like a Bach 50B.

[@michaelquillen2679]

I played bass trombone professionally from 1974-2010. I started with a Reynolds Contempora and moved to the King Duo Gravis and stayed with it from 1976-2010. Played pits, jazz bands, show bands, commercial, and even orchestra with the Duo Gravis. Great horn in the day!

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

Definitely an enjoyable one in any genre! King’s trombones really just vibrate in your hands. Sadly, in my opinion, their trumpets are a far cry.

[@jacobcasas5565]

The 6b is such a cool horn, I want a King Bass Trombone for my collection

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

For sure, but as a daily driver in serious ensembles, I’d be more interested in a 7B. I really need access to the Gb trigger alone.

[@Aodhan132]

I've had the Silver Sonic version (sterling silver bell section) of the 6B since 1976, it was made in 1975, so I bought it when it was only 1 year old. I'm now 62, I've tried many other bass trombones, but none of them come anywhere close to the Silver Sonic Duo Gravis (SSDG) - also affectionately known as the Laser Beam, or the Paint Stripper* in the bass trombone fraternity. *For its ability to strip the paint off the back of a concert hall. (I think it was designed to be able to compete with screaming trumpets in a big band - happy to be corrected if I'm wrong!) 🙂

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

A Silver Sonic 6B sounds like a lot of fun!! My new axe for jazz and NOLA playing is a 3BF SS that blows me away every day. I do imagine the Duo Gravis does a lot better in a jazz band than a symphony orchestra-I tried to use it in the latter some time after making this review and I had a tough time producing an appropriate tone.

[@richardbrotzman3152]

I stumbled across and enjoyed your 2019 video review of the Olds Ambassador Cornet, which I watched because that was the horn I started on many years ago. As a trumpet player, I'm not sure why I watched this particular video, but as I'm watching it I'm thinking that this may have been the model bass trombone that one of my friends played in high school band in the late 70s. He was a very talented 'bone player, and was also a talented singer in the high school choir. Sadly, he was killed in a tragic hunting accident shortly after Christmas break during our senior year. This video brought back memories of my old friend. Thanks for that.

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

Thank you for the story, Richard. I’m terribly sorry to hear of your loss and that this bass dredges up those old memories but thanks for tuning in.

[@richardbrotzman3152]

@@SamuelPlaysBrass I think you may have misunderstood my comment. I didn't mean that the video dredged up bad memories. It was warm, happy memories of my friend that your video stirred, not sadness about his untimely death. I got over the grief of that many years ago. So I do sincerely thank you for helping to bring back warm memories of my long-departed friend, and the good times we spent together in high school band and jazz band.

[@feelgoodcharlie3822]

Great video! Keep them coming!

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

Thanks Charlie!

[@anthonyspurrell3313]

Very informative and a beautiful horn

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

Thanks Anthony! It certainly is.

[@Juan_Bone09]

Bass trombone sound is unique

[@peternaryd_operasinger]

Great video Samuel!😁👍👍

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

Thank you!

[@DaddySinger]

Loved the video, thanks! My 6B SS is missing the long bendy D section and only has the little top (E) bit in the second trigger. Where oh where could I find the extended bit?! Thanks for your help!

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

That’s really unfortunate :( I’ve seen several 6B’s that are missing the T2 extension. I don’t know where you might find one sadly…

[@DaddySinger]

@@SamuelPlaysBrass Thanks! I'll find one, or have one made, eventually!

[@LowBrassU]

A Duo Gravis is on my wish list of horns that I want but I probably would not use as much as other basses.

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

Well, if it isn’t the one and only Zach Marley! And I agree-as much as I love the sound of the 6B, its use as a dependent bass is a little limited when there are better independent basses out there…

[@LowBrassU]

@@SamuelPlaysBrass At least the triggers could be split instead of both being thumb operated. It's cool seeing all the horns that you get to try through the shop! Keep the vids coming.

[@bobcat24]

4G isn’t even a bass mpc, it’s a (large) tenor mpc. So idk who put that in the case, let alone why.

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

I agree. My preferred tenor size is a Denis Wick 4AL, which is a slightly deeper and more V-shaped 4G equivalent, so I’d never use it on bass. That said, for a middle school or early high school kid who’s definitely not using anything larger than a 6-1/2AL on tenor, I think the 4G isn’t bad as a stepping stone to help them acclimate to the bass.

[@calebford4449]

Great review! Why do you play your low Fs in 6th rather than with the trigger? Or is it situational for convenience?

[@calebford4449]

I commented before you explained it in the video lol so nevermind 😁

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

@@calebford4449 haha yeah, it’s just such a sucky note in 1st. Whenever I play an independent rotor bass, I use the Gb trigger in position 2.5 for low F.

[@fuxiscreativecorner]

With your experience, how would you record the trombone best?

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

As long as the bell isn’t facing the phone mic head-on, to be honest, you’re probably fine.

[@fuxiscreativecorner]

@@SamuelPlaysBrass with the clip i don't have that much opportunities. What would you recommend with that?

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

@@fuxiscreativecorner no idea, sorry. I’ve never used a clip-on mic.